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A denture reline is, as the term itself suggests, renewing the lining of your prosthesis. With time, your mouth goes through changes. And so should your denture. The goal of relining is to have the best possible fit for the comfort and health of your gums and remaining teeth. This makes talking and eating a lot easier.

The procedure itself is easy, affordable, and necessary for the proper care of dentures. Discover costs and how relining is done.

Denture reline types and procedure

What the denture reline process looks like depends on whether it is conducted in-office, in a lab, or if it is an emergency treatment. The material that is used also plays a large role.

Chairside reline

A chairside reline is done while you are in the dentist’s chair. Otherwise called a soft reline, it takes place during a single visit. It lasts for around 1-2 years.

Here is what the process looks like:

1. The dentist will take your denture out and clean it. You may also get a professional teeth cleaning.
2. He or she will then apply a flexible material to the inside of the denture. This can be anything from a rubbery to a waxy substance.
3. The prosthesis will be placed into your mouth, so the putty molds to the exact shape.
4. The material will then harden and your denture will fit as new.

It is designed for patients who cannot wear dentures anymore because their gums are tender. Neglecting to do this may result in sore spots in the mouth. This is because many dentures are made of a hard acrylic. The soft relining material is more pliable and comfortable for patients. Professionals often consider it the best kind.

If you have gone past the stage of getting sore spots, a soft reline may not be enough. Most of the time, the original shape of the denture is causing the issue. You may need an emergency reline, implant supported-dentures, or a simple surgery to correct this. .

Lab reline

A hard reline usually has to be done externally every 2 or more years. Even if the office is equipped to do them without a separate lab, a hard reline may still take a few days. You will be asked to come back within a week or so for a second appointment. During this time, you will be without teeth.

As compared to a soft one, a hard reline requires less adjustments but is less flexible to the touch. The process will look a lot like this:

1. As with a soft reline, the dentist cleans your denture and mouth.
   He or she then takes off a part of the plastic from the inside of your dentures.
2. Putty is applied wherever the denture makes contact with the tissue.
3. Your dentist makes an impression of your mouth by placing the putty in the denture.
4. The putty is left to harden.
5. This is sent off to a lab.
6. The lab makes acrylic in the exact shape of the impression. It is attached to the denture.
7. The last step is coming in for a fitting. The dentist may make slight adjustments to make the shape as perfect as can be.

Emergency reline

Your dentist might decide you need an emergency reline when you come in for a routine exam or if you yourself have noticed an issue. This is usually when your gums are highly inflamed due to neglecting to have a soft or hard reline done on time.

The medicated material should bring down the inflammation in your mouth. Nothing else can be done until your soft tissues have healed. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Your mouth and denture will be thoroughly cleaned.
2. The dentist will apply medicated material to the denture and fit it back inside your mouth.
3. It will harden quickly and you’ll be able to walk out of the office with your teeth.

An emergency reline is a quick appointment, but the solution itself doesn’t work in the long term. You will need to come back a few weeks later for a longer-lasting reline or a new denture. Not doing this may cause damage to your denture. The same goes for the soft tissues in your mouth.

There are DIY emergency kits available online. Since the material is medicated, however, we recommend you visit a dentist for professional treatment.

Denture reline cost

Denture relines can cost anywhere from $300 to under $500. It depends on the type of reline, chairside or lab, whether you have a full or partial denture, and the extent of the wear and tear.

• Hard, lab denture reline cost: $350 to $475
• Soft, chairside denture reline price range: $280 to $395

Temporary reline costs are similar to that of soft ones, as this procedure is also performed in-office. As emergency treatment, however, some dentists may charge an extra fee.

Denture relines are generally not covered by insurance. Each plan is different, so check with your provider.

Get affordable denture reline near you

Don’t overpay for a dental reline. It is not necessary to travel far or do extensive research to get it done affordably. There are ways to save both time and money.

The best example is the Authority Dental matching service we recommend. They will find a 24 hour dentist near you who suits your needs. Someone who is experienced, with a great lab and reasonable price list. The appointment can even be set up the same day.

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QA section

Is a denture reline kit a good option?

OTC reline kit is an option when going to the clinic is too expensive or inconvenient. But it’s always best to visit a dentist and let them handle it. You could cause more damage to the denture and your mouth if you do something wrong.

In the case that you do decide to purchase a denture reline kit, remember that they are not meant for partial prostheses. What’s more, this method is not long lasting, so you will have to have a professional look it over sooner or later.

How long does a soft denture reline last?

A soft denture reline may last up to 2 years.

How does a reline differ from a denture adjustment?

A reline is a type of upkeep, something you should do routinely to lengthen the lifetime of your denture. Adjustments are done when the prosthesis suffers trauma or there is a significant change in your mouth. This could be the loss of a supporting tooth, for example.

Once you get your new dentures, you start wondering about how to care for dentures!

Caring for your dentures is one of the most important things to keep your smile looking at its best. Cleaning is vital for the health of your dentures and wellness of your gums. Following are some tips that can guide you better on how to take care of your dentures.

Best ways to take care of dentures

How to Remove Your Dentures Easily?

Dentures are fragile. So, make sure you remove your dentures in a correct way. Begin with rinsing your mouth using warm water. It will ease the process of removing dentures. To remove your upper denture, force the thumb against the front teeth, then press up and out. For lower denture, rotate the denture loose and pull it out.

How to Take Care of Dentures?

Always fill the sink with water. Then clean your dentures over the sink just in case they accidentally slip out of your hands. Also you can place a folded towel in sink to avoid breakage. Rinse your dentures thoroughly to remove loose food particles. Either use cool or warm water. Never use hot water.

Clean Dentures Daily, But Not With Toothpaste

Brushing is a key to maintain your teeth. Just like your teeth, you must brush your dentures at least once a day to remove debris and plaque. Plaque is a whitish film containing bacteria that utilize food to get themselves attached to dentures. If not removed, it can cause proliferation of stain and tartar, and cause your gums to become swollen. This will ultimately result in a less secure fit of your denture.

It’s not that easy to get rid of plaque. For this, you must mechanically remove it using a toothbrush. However, a hard bristle toothbrush might be a bit rough on your denture and may cause damage to it.

Therefore, use a regular soft bristle toothbrush and/or a long bristled denture brush that can reach easier into all the hooks and crannies of your denture. Try not to brush haphazardly.

Instead, apply gentle brushing technique over denture surface or else it will cause harm to bend attachments. Dentures are typically removed and cleaned in between meals and right before night sleep.

Things to avoid while cleaning dentures

You should learn some denture care instructions. For this, make sure you don’t use the following cleaning items on your dentures as it will cause harm to it.

Abrasive cleaning items

Caustic solutions and hard-bristle brushes are not recommended on dentures. They will be hurtful to your expensive dentures. It is better to avoid toothpaste, harsh cleansers and rough cleaning technique to prevent dentures from becoming damaged.

Whitening toothpaste

If people are using white toothpaste on their teeth, it doesn’t mean you can use it on your dentures too. They are not safe for cleaning dentures. So, make sure to avoid it.

Products with bleach

Bleach is highly abrasive in nature. Even, it is capable to change color of your denture and weakens its longevity. Some cleaning solutions may also contain bleaching agents that you shouldn’t be using for cleaning your dentures. After all, bleaching agents can impair the metal fixtures of your denture.

Hot water

Hot water is usually not recommended as it can deform the regular shape of dentures and thus affect the perfect mouth fit.

Clean with a denture cleaner

A mild dishwashing solution or hand soap are the best cleaners for dentures. Toothpaste with whitening agents or abrasive chemicals should be avoided at all cost. They cannot do any good except warping the dentures.

Another sophisticated method to clean denture is use of ultrasonic cleaners. It’s a device similar to bathtub, with a cleaning solution in it. You can dip your denture into the cleaner, where movement created by sound waves will force out all the debris and unwanted material.

However, ultrasonic cleaning is not suggested to do on daily basis, unlike thorough brushing. Apart from it, whenever you buy a dental product, be sure it complies with (ADA) Seal of Acceptance as experts identify it as being safe and effective. After all, not everything on the shelves is safe for you.

How to take care of dentures when not wearing them?

Imagine you wore shoes all day, what would you feel going to bed wearing those? Not comfortable, right? Wearing dentures whole day is just like that. Sleeping with dentures for a prolong period can put your health in a serious harm. That’s why it’s really important to remove your dentures before going to bed.

Since denture is not anything natural, so putting inside your mouth 24/7 will create more pressure that your face can sustain. Removing the dentures will allow your gum tissues to relax a bit.

Keep the dentures moist when not in use. By immersing in denture cleanser solution or simply water, it will maintain their shape and won’t warp.

Although, if denture has any metal bridges, avoid putting in cleaning solution because it may rust the attachments. Moreover, your dentist knows better what you should do with your worthy oral accessory. Ask them about how to care for dentures correctly.

Remember about check-ups

If you own dentures, it is better to consult your dentist about how often you should visit them. Typically, the criterion for visit is every six months. Dental visits are crucial for your overall oral health.

There are many oral diseases like cancer prevailing in our society. So, make sure to get examined yourself. This will help you identify earliest signs of any oral disease. Have your teeth professionally cleaned. Make sure your dentures fit inside your mouth perfectly.

Can I adjust or repair dentures?

As soon as you get your dentures from dentist, you will be required to go through couple of follow-up appointments. Never try to adjust your loose-fitting dentures. Always visit a professional dentist to make any necessary adjustment.

Don’t twist any part of metal attachments. By doing so, you can impair its metal structure. If you end up doing it all by yourself, you might lose your expensive denture. For instance, use of glues without any prescription and “Do-it-yourself” repair kits can harm your denture permanently.

Also, loose-fitted dentures can cause irritation on your gums. If you see a breakage in your denture, you must visit a health care provider. While if it’s a minor crack or repair, you will get it the same day. But, for a more complicated repair, you need to wait few days to get it adjusted.

How often dentures need to be replaced?

With time, quality of dentures may get affected. Along with it, your face and jaw shape also get minor tweaks naturally due to age. Owing to this, dentures need to be remade else it will be unfit inside your mouth. To reline it, you must take assistance from your dentist.

Typically, dentures can be used for time span of 5 to 7 years before you face any replacement issues.

Take care of your mouth and gums

Regardless of full or partial dentures, you must brush your teeth with a soft bristled brush. Not only teeth, but according to denture care instructions, you must consider gums, tongue and palate before you place dentures in your mouth. This increases gum circulation and reduces unwanted plaque formation.

Don’t overlook the area beneath denture’s metal clasps. Clean it as plaque accumulates here the most. And if it’s not cleaned, it will lead to tooth decay. In case you wear a partial denture, make sure to remove it then clean your natural teeth.

Give gentle cleaning, resting and massaging routine to your gums regularly. It is recommended daily to rinse mouth with lukewarm salt water. This will sanitize your gums. Also, never ignore what you’re eating. After all, we are what we eat. Maintain a well-balanced healthy diet for a great oral health.

A partial denture or a bridge, is basically something you can get in cases when you have one of more natural teeth remaining, in your lower or upper jaw. These dentures, can be removable as well, which basically comprises of teeth that are removable, and are connected to gum-colored or pink plastic bases.

These partial dentures, might also consist of a clasp and a metal structure that connects to your teeth, they can also have structures or connectors that are more natural in their appearance. Precision attachments, are devices that are sometimes used in order to attach the partial removable denture to your natural teeth. These connectors or attachments are more esthetic as compared to clasps.

The Purpose of Partial Dentures

If there’s one or more teeth missing in your mouth, the pressure in the mouth shifts. So for example, when there’s a gap in between your teeth, the other teeth around it might start to move in order to make up for the space that exists there. You may experience a shrinkage in the supporting bone and soft tissues near the teeth that is missing. This may result in causing changes in your physical appearance along with issues with the teeth around the missing one.

With the help of a partial denture, the structure of your mouth (that includes the jawbone, gums and facial muscles) will remain engaged and active. This will stop the other teeth in your mouth from shifting, as a result, providing you with the chance to smile confidently and completely.

Partial denture also enables you to enhance your speech. In case you face a difficulty with pronouncing some words, you need to practice regularly. Practice with the words that you find the most difficult to pronounce. As time passes, you’ll be able to correctly speak with your partial denture.

Types Of Partial Dentures

When you’re deciding on choosing a partial denture, there a few types you could look for. Each denture is structured to serve a different purpose and fits a distinct situation, whether you’re in need of a top partial denture (maxillary) or a bottom one (mandibular), or even both.

Cast Metal Partial Dentures

This is a partial denture that consists of a metal structure which connects through clasps linked to the crowns. However, an acrylic plastic that might appear to be gum-colored, shadows the metal frame (making it not visible). However, the clasp might be visible when you’re smiling.

This partial denture, is acrylic based and is known to be the gold standard of such replacements due to its sturdy, long-lasting and strong nature. Other types are also compared to this partial denture.

Flexible Partial Dentures

This name suits appropriately to flexible partial debentures. These dentures are lightweight, flexible and very comfortable.

Your dentist can insert this denture in your mouth, as soon as it has been approved by the laboratory and has been constructed with nylon material that looks very realistic. Normally, there won’t be a necessity to make any alterations with your natural teeth. Along with this, the process is quite comfortable and due to the denture being thin and comfortable, it is easy for most patients to quickly become accustomed to the replacement.

Tooth Flipper

This is another kind of partial denture that mainly serves a temporary purpose, in case your dentist recommends a long-term replacement. It is a good option for a partial denture in order to replace one or more teeth.

One of the many benefits of this denture is the reason that it can assist in reducing the movement of teeth (in the healing process) and bone loss in the mouth.

How To Wear Partial Dentures?

During the start, you might feel the partial denture to be bulky or awkward. This is quite normal and you’ll eventually be fine with it as time passes. You will, however, need to work on the technique of removing and inserting the denture. You need to follow every instruction provided by the dentist.

Furthermore, the denture should eventually fit perfectly in place. Make sure not to apply it forcefully, as it may result in breaking or bending the clasps. You’ll be provided with proper instructions regarding the usage of the denture (when to wear it, when to remove it).

During the start, you’ll be asked to regularly wear the denture. It would feel uncomfortable in the beginning, however, you will soon get to know what areas require adjustments.

Be Cautious!

In case the denture is causing pressure at a certain area, you need to ask your dentist to make adjustments, as it will result in the area becoming sore. When adjustments are made, you’ll be instructed by your dentist to wear the denture partially, for example: replacing it in the morning and taking it off before sleeping.

Take Care of Your Partial Dentures

Following are the tips you could use to take proper care of your dentures:

• It may be a possibility that your dentist prescribes a cleaner for your denture. You should choose a cleanser having a seal of American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
• To prevent your denture to fall off, you should stand over a sink of water or a towel when cleaning the partial denture.
• Using toothpaste is a bad idea on dentures, as it may turn out to be too harsh.
• Dentures are cleaned by hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid but these can be abrasive.
• In order to prevent the dentures from becoming permanently stained by plaque, they should be brushed daily.
• Brush designed specifically for dentures should be used so that the bristles easily remove food particles and fit the shape of dentures.
• A soft bristle brush can also be used, however a hard one should be avoided as it may damage the dentures.
• After removing the food particles, the cleanser for denture should be applied gently not damaging or bending the dentures.
• It should be kept moist so that it does not lose its shape. Place it in water or a soaking solution at night. Ask your dentist for a proper method.
• Chewing, swallowing or gargling should be avoided with denture cleansers.
• Dentures should always be rinsed before placing it in the mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it right to eat wearing partial dentures?

Yes, you can eat with partial dentures, starting with small and soft foods. Chew from both sides applying pressure evenly. Hard foods should be avoided such as gum.

Is it right to sleep wearing partial dentures?

It is recommended that one should not sleep with dentures as it can be unhealthy and unsafe. They should be cleaned outside the mouth so that food particles are not stuck or lodged around the partial dentures.

For healthy gums, you need the right oral care along with cleansing of your denture. Physically, the chance to recover and rest will be beneficial for the gums.

Furthermore, some people have a habit of clenching their teeth while sleeping, this may cause pressure in the teeth and may damage both, the denture and the teeth.

What is the cost of getting a partial denture?

The cost of getting a partial denture varies, for example: a plate costs around $300-$5000 and a full-set costs around $600-$10,000. The prices vary according to the situation. For example, the area you live in or the dentist you’ve selected. You need to ask your insurance provider if the cost will be covered by insurance, because this is not always the case. You need to take a close look as most dental plan offer discounts for getting dentures.

An alternative to partial denture is?

Getting a dental implant or a fixed bridge is the basic alternative to a partial denture.

A dental plant is basically placed in a way that two crowns are placed at the sides of the gap and are connected by a false tooth. Note that you cannot get this bridge removed. It is constructed in the laboratory and are attached through special adhesives. Adhesive bridge, is another alternative which has wings and are attached to the back of the teeth.